Precious Nwachukwu explains the role of youths in nation building

The term nation building or national development, is usually used to refer to a constructive process of engaging all citizens in building social cohesion, economic prosperity and political stability in a nation in an inclusive and democratic way. Going by the definition, it is seen that all citizens are to be involved in building or developing a nation. Thus, the involvement of youth in national development is a must. In fact, youths play one of the most important roles in nation building.
The Youths are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but also the partners of today. Young people are social actors of change and progress. They are a crucial segment of a nation's development. Their contribution, therefore, is highly needed.Youth are the engine room of every nation. The similitude of the importance of youth to nation building could be likened to a car engine, without which, vehicles can’t move, so also without youth, a nation cannot thrive. The role of the youth in nation building is too relevant to be jettisoned – they serve as the back-bone of a society. They can make or mar a nation based on what is programmed in them. They are a feedback system because if they are well equipped and garnished with the best available resources, they give a positive outcome, but, if otherwise, negative outcome should be expected.
Nigerian youths are surely among the most talented and creative youths in the world. They are fast learners; they have the ability to work under pressure and bring out desired result(s) for any organisation or institution. The role of Nigerian youths cannot be underestimated in nation building. Nigerian youths from time immemorial have been contributing their quota towards national development. It is only an insane man that will say Nigerian youths are not productive because there is practically no aspect of nature, physical or anthropological, material or human, complex diversity or undefined homogeneity, regional, international, academic or sport, Nigeria cannot boast of, even in religion or ethnicity. Name any field of learning you would not see a Nigerian youth renowned locally or internationally. Mention any aspect of living, good or bad, a Nigerian youth will not be actively and not passively recognised. There is nowhere in the world one would not see a Nigerian youth with the buzzing I-can-do spirit; In fact they drive the wheel of several countries in the world. However, the irony of the Nigerian situation is that the leadership cadre is filled with aged politicians who think nation building is their exclusive preserve and as such youths should not be given a chance. Perhaps, their stand explains why though youths are said to be leaders of tomorrow, that future never comes. On the other hand, the youths also are the architect of their misfortune because we have internalised the wrong precedence of corrupt politicians. We are ideologically bankrupt and in a state of delirium. We chose violence instead of peace and mutual coexistence. We chose the comfort of the moment instead of striving for self-sacrifice that will guarantee the freedom of this country. We chose the highway for robbery instead of class rooms. We chose guns, knives and axes instead of pen, paper and hard work. We avail ourselves all kinds of dirty jobs during election. We are carried away in the euphoria of crazy fashion and have jettisoned culture and history. We lack character and morality. The qualities of tomorrow’s leaders lie in the characters of today’s followers